Funny, dark, and thrilling, this suburban nail-biter shows housewives and book clubs in a whole new light. Filled https://instagram.com/p/Cj0IuBnL7qn/
Funny, dark, and thrilling, this suburban nail-biter shows housewives and book clubs in a whole new light. Filled with angst, action, and reflection, we follow Patricia Campbell’s supernatural war against her neighbor, a manipulative bachelor who preys at night. All of Grady Hendrix’s novels have such an enticing blend of humor and horror, of emotional turmoil and in many ways is so relatable. He delivers yet another bloody roller coaster that manages to be both terrifying and touching....more
A quietly haunting work of social horror that explores the plight of those who give themselves away in order to care for others. Through fever dream pA quietly haunting work of social horror that explores the plight of those who give themselves away in order to care for others. Through fever dream prose that is as elegant as it is unsettling, we see the devastating effects of burnout, as well as the crushing emotional and physical expectations placed on caretakers and healthcare workers. Despite its heavy subjects and mounting psychological horror, Rest and Be Thankful is consistent in its message of empathy and the unrelenting effort to do good. A heartbreaking glimpse into the professions that are an endless source of comfort and care, so much so that their own workers’ struggles are unnoticed, to terrible consequences....more
The Blair Witch Project meets The Terror in this chilling novel. Told through alternative time periods and perspectives, we ponder the questions: WhatThe Blair Witch Project meets The Terror in this chilling novel. Told through alternative time periods and perspectives, we ponder the questions: What does it mean to be truly trapped? What happens when ambition outweighs safety? Is pride worth the ultimate price? Using the manipulation of time and space, the Dark Between the Trees is an unsettling journey which will make you reconsider your weekend hiking plans. ...more
A bleak, grim, and explicit depiction on the deep wounds that poverty, misogyny, homophobia, drug abuse, and superstition leaves on communities. Told A bleak, grim, and explicit depiction on the deep wounds that poverty, misogyny, homophobia, drug abuse, and superstition leaves on communities. Told in the oral storytelling style and filled with unreliable and intensely real narrators, we see the pain and anger that builds up from a lifetime of hardships, the need to blame someone for those hardships, and the urge to find an outlet to channel rage and desire. Fernanda Melchor handles these incredibly complicated issues with grace and without judgement- it is brutal, honest, but recognizes that each character is a victim of poverty and societal neglect. A very relevant novel. ...more
A fantastically frightening novella that displays the human urge for self destruction, the need to push limits to the extreme. Fast paced and fun on tA fantastically frightening novella that displays the human urge for self destruction, the need to push limits to the extreme. Fast paced and fun on the surface, but a surprisingly deep musing on what tempts us to step over the line, risk it all for the ultimate experience, destroy ourselves just to see what happens. Amazing imagery and lore, a timeless classic for horror.
Bonus: the original Hellraiser film is one of my favorite scary movies ...more
A novel of unearthing dark truths. Atmospheric, gritty, and filled with angst, White Horse is a novel that is filled with tension, between characters A novel of unearthing dark truths. Atmospheric, gritty, and filled with angst, White Horse is a novel that is filled with tension, between characters and the literal ghosts of their pasts. This novel sheds light on the darker sides of history, and exposes the hidden terrors that some would do anything to keep buried. The paranormal aspect is welcome and serves as an effective metaphor for trauma and injustice. White Horse is a quick read for horror buffs who also enjoy societal commentary. ...more
A deeply haunting portait of evil and the silence it leaves behind. Through prose that shifts between spellbinding and grotesque, Mariana Enriquez shoA deeply haunting portait of evil and the silence it leaves behind. Through prose that shifts between spellbinding and grotesque, Mariana Enriquez showcases the exploits of the wealthy in their endless pursuit of having more, even challenging death; the limitless brutality of those in power, and the literal and figurative haunting of abuse and trauma. It asks: can we ever truth break free from the darkness of our past? What is the price of a legacy? To what lengths will people go to in order to justify their cruelty and hypocrisy? Although this story uses horror as a medium, Our Share of Night is a disturbing parallel to the very real horrors of tyranny and privilege, and is a devastating expose on the thousands who have disappeared because someone else deemed them dispensable. ...more
Disturbing and nightmarish, yet oddly endearing, this is a classic novel that attests to the power of friendship and facing fears. Through a dreadful Disturbing and nightmarish, yet oddly endearing, this is a classic novel that attests to the power of friendship and facing fears. Through a dreadful battle between good and evil, monster and men, bonds and obstacles, we see the vital importance of love, desire, and promises to friends. We see that although memory fades and surroundings change, our childhoods shape us, our fears can be outweighed by our humor, our resilience, our imagination. Truly a timeless horror novel, filled with emotion and iconic imagery. ...more
A clever group of stories that explores the subtle horrors of life. Disillusionment, addiction, guilt, trauma, envy, and regret are all things that caA clever group of stories that explores the subtle horrors of life. Disillusionment, addiction, guilt, trauma, envy, and regret are all things that can feel otherworldly, monstrous, and looming, especially when in an isolated or unsupportive setting. Additionally, feeling a lack of control in life, or to feel as though you aren’t writing your own story anymore, is a real life nightmare in its own. A well crafted collection. ...more
Campy and fun, Patricia Wants to Cuddle is a satirical examination of how the media distorts our ideas on beauty, romance, and reputation. Reality tv Campy and fun, Patricia Wants to Cuddle is a satirical examination of how the media distorts our ideas on beauty, romance, and reputation. Reality tv and social media and their effect on people’s idea on what is normal, desirable, and even expected of people, especially women, us is a nightmare. Media screams that what we do has to be “liked” and validated by thousands behind a screen, otherwise, what is our worth? Add in a lonely Bigfoot looking for love, and the result is a thrilling struggle that is rooted in a very real issue that becomes more prevalent with our use of technology. Unique and great for reading while camping. ...more
An absolutely phenomenal horror story of womanhood, cycles, and self discovery. Mary is an unforgettable protagonist, her journey through a twilight zAn absolutely phenomenal horror story of womanhood, cycles, and self discovery. Mary is an unforgettable protagonist, her journey through a twilight zone of terrors and revelations is dark, poignant, and even funny at times. She is a vivid exploration of the ways in which society associates a woman’s value with their youth, beauty, their “usefulness.” Overflowing with feminine rage and power, this novel addresses some incredibly timely and universal issues regarding the everyday aggressions that women endure. It is also a surprisingly hard hitting look into what makes an identity, and what gives life a purpose, and what can we do to affirm that we are here in this world, that we are seen. Action packed, disturbing, and filled with personality, this is a book that expertly combines the mystical with the everyday, the otherworldly with the ordinary, to paint a picture of commentary that is truly impactful, and wildly enjoyable. Fantastically rendered and a true example of a passion project. ...more
A compelling and deeply disturbing speculation on the fate of an actual doomed Arctic expedition. This book is incredibly well researched, and quicklyA compelling and deeply disturbing speculation on the fate of an actual doomed Arctic expedition. This book is incredibly well researched, and quickly proves that real life illness and isolation can be just as disturbing and insidious as a monster stalking the dark. Gory, bleak, and direct, this novel also is a clever warning again colonialism and mistreatment of the environment. A long and very detailed saga, but well worth the time of any history or horror fan. ...more
A solid example of the gothic ghost story; dreary, atmospheric, and dark, this novel explores the themes of grief and revenge beyond the grave. The woA solid example of the gothic ghost story; dreary, atmospheric, and dark, this novel explores the themes of grief and revenge beyond the grave. The woman in black is an interesting tragic villain, and our narrator is a compelling and emotional voice as he uncovers secrets with devastating consequences. A classic horror tale to read with the lights out. ...more